Jalgaon, Ajanta, Nashik

Alight at Jalgaon railway station after a royal breakfast. Travel to T-Junction in a luxury AC bus. Board the MSRTC eco-friendly bus and it's time to travel back in time. Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by dramatic views of the Waghora valley where the Ajanta Caves are located. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) they are also cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap in a steep crescent shaped hillside. Lost to the world after the 7th century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition.

At Ajanta, the Mahayana group, Hinayana group and the later Mahayana group, complete the spectrum of Buddhist development in India. 'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara', '17 Jatakas', 'The Birth of the Buddha' and 'The Thousand Buddhas' are amongst the finest murals and sculptures ever found. The paintings on the ceiling, particularly the elephant scattering the lotus, charging bull, the black princess and the row of dancers with musicians mesmerise tourists from all over the world.

After a quick shopping break for artifacts and souvenirs, back track to Bhusalwal Station in the same luxury AC bus. Travel along to Nashik in the royal comforts of the train while the magnificent images of the ancient caves linger on in your mind. Enjoy the mouth-watering spread on board of the royal train.

Alight at Nashik Road station with a traditional welcome of garlands, 'arti' and 'kumkum tilak'. Depart for Sula Winery at Govardhan Park in the comforts of a luxury AC bus, enjoying the view of a bustling township that's an interesting blend of the ancient and the modern.

Stop on the way at the grape farms of the Winery. Walk through the green paradise as rows and rows of grape meet your eye in every direction. After watching the breathtaking view from the Gangapur dam site move on to the Sula Winery. The air, heavy with the heady aroma of wine, welcomes you to the Winery. Wine and dine in royal comfort as the sun sets in the horizon. Finally, when you head back to the Nashik Road Station, it's time for the Deccan Odyssey train to move from the past to the future. Get ready to alight at the most advanced business capital of India, Mumbai.